Why 30+ is prime time to learn a language

That’s right, it’s number 4, learning a language. The other three are things that are best done before the age of 22.

If you are put off from learning a language or studying abroad because that’s something “for younger people”, you should know that more people are learning languages as adults than ever before, and for a whole variety of reasons.

Travelling has never been easier, business is becoming more international and multilingual by the day and networking is incredibly important in the modern, flexible working world.

With people leaving home later, studying longer and taking more time to find a career, there are loads of options open to language learners over 30. Each year, we help more and more adult learners to achieve their language-learning goals. If you have a vague, unfulfilled wish to learn another language, there is no time like the present!

The past is gone…

You didn’t learn as a kid, so what? Don’t dwell on it, if you want to learn a language there is nothing stopping you from starting today. Make a commitment and make it happen. You can’t replay your life.

You have seen first-hand the advantages of languages

Whether in business or when travelling, speaking a foreign language is a big asset. People who can speak foreign languages walk a little taller at work, while being able to communicate with local people abroad opens doors that are not open to monolinguals. Watching foreign-language movies on Netflix is pretty sweet too.

You can afford to see the world now

Hopefully you’ve got some kind of grip on your finances after more than a decade as an “adult”. Learning a language abroad in immersion is no more expensive than a normal holiday, and offers a much more valuable experience.

You may never be this free again

Perhaps you have an idea of what you want from life, perhaps you don’t, but there’s really no downside to getting out there and seeing the world before you are too weighed down with commitments.

Languages are a great investment

Once you learn a language, it’s with you for life. More career options will be open to you, holidays will be more fun when you can communicate in more languages and your network will cross borders much more easily.

Your employer could pay for the course

Studying a language in immersion is excellent staff development for companies. Find out how to pitch a language course to your boss here.

Learning shouldn’t stop after school

You may never want to step foot in a maths classroom or school gymnasium again, but learning a language is different. Languages are something you benefit from every day. If you feel like you need something refreshing in your life and want to get your brain working again, learning a language may be exactly what you are looking for.

There are courses especially for you

We have courses for all tastes. Some of our partner schools attract mainly students in their early 20s, some attract slightly older students, some run courses open only to over 30s. The thing is, you won’t find this information on their own websites, which is one more reason you benefit from booking with an agency like ESL – language travel: we will give you honest, unbiased advice.

You will bring some new skills to your studies

Believe it or not, older language learners actually have many advantages over younger learners.